Building bridges between all communities
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/68073
JUNE 2012 • PAGE 5 Eric Schweig, Vision Quest's second keynote presenter, shared his life story and the many lessons he has learned so far. "As Aboriginal people we have a fear of success, and have almost learned to play the professional victim. We have this codependent relationship with government and are always going to them to solve our problems." "What we have to deal with as entrepreneurs and business peo- ple is deal with the 'isms' that hold us back, before we can move forward. What we have to do is learn how to take care of ourselves. You have to save your own life before you can save anyone else's." Eric, who was taken from his mother as an infant, started drink- ing at the age of 13 as an escape from an abusive upbringing. This started a downward spiral of alcohol, drugs and homelessness that consumed much of his life. Today, now sober 14 years, Eric is a successful film and television actor, and an artist who carves Inuit spirit masks. He also works do- ing outreach with people on the street. "Our personal problems need to be addressed honestly and prop- erly. We have to do the best we can. We have one shot on this plane of existence, so make it a good one – not just for our own sake, but also for our children and the future. It's up to us to do our damn-dest to be strong, and healthy, and pay it forward." ~ Submitted by RoseAnna Schick Proud to Support National Aboriginal Day! Eric Schweig First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Success Story – Oliver Owen, Amik Aviation Ltd. I am the sole owner of Amik Aviation Ltd. and I wanted to provide air transportation to the people who live in the isolated Northern communities of Little Grand Rapids and Paungassi. They are entitled to exceptional customer service and I wanted to be the one that delivered it to them. WAYNE EWASKO MLA for Lac du Bonnet Ph.268-3282 wayne@wayneewasko.com INDIAN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL CLAIMS I have worn many hats in the aviation industry over the past 28 years as manager, pilot and owner. I approached FPEGF for financing because most financial institutions see Aboriginal business as high risk and have not been willing to take a chance on me. The staff at FPEGF had an open mind while working with the other lender to ensure a successful financing package for me. We currently provide daily scheduled passenger and cargo service to the people of Little Grand Rapids and Paungassi First Nations. They are picked up directly at their community on our Amphib Caravan. I am fulfilling my vision for exceptional customer service, thanks to FPEGF. – INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT PROCESS Maximize Your Financial Award / Minimize Retraumatization Many survivors are reluctant to claim compensation because they fear re-opening wounds created by their IRS experiences. I have qualified Health Support Workers of aboriginal origin present for emotional support as survivors recount what happened to them at IRS to make their claim. Why does this matter? • Survivors often feel a lack of closure when the IAP is over, even when they have received substantial financial awards. • The key to survivors surviving the IAP is personalized, culturally-sensitive, emotional support before, during and after the hearings. Lawyer's fees are limited to the 15% which is paid for by the federal government in straight-forward standard-track cases with one hearing date. All conversations and proceedings are confidential. THE DEADLINE FOR IAP APPLICATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 19, 2012. For more information, contact: Rosemary Hnatiuk (204) 982-0804 or (204) 228-7063; email – rkhnatiuk@yahoo.ca Proud to Be Part of the Aboriginal Community University College of the North is an institution devoted to community and northern development and reflects the Aboriginal reality and cultural diversity of northern Manitoba. We are proud of our connection to the Aboriginal, Métis and Inuit cultures as we celebrate National Aboriginal Day together. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF THE NORTH OWN YOUR FUTURE 230 UCN FNV ad 6-12.indd 1 5/25/12 12:57 PM ours